106 FUN & GAMES SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 e e e B E S T I C E S K AT I N G AZ ICE ARCADIA 3853 E. THOMAS ROAD 602-957-9966 AZICE.COM AND OTHER VALLEY LOCATIONS AZ Ice offers the most affordable ice skating and skate rentals in the Valley and has the most public skate times and free intro lessons. There’s also great food and drink in the Ice House Tavern (which provides a prime view of the ice and also broadcasts NHL games every day). Figure skaters can book freestyle sessions, hockey players can join a youth or adult league or play pick-up hockey and the whole family can enjoy public skating for fees ranging from $5.50 to $11. There’s even a summer camp (Skate, Rattle & Roll) for kids that includes ice skating, broomball, movies and crafts. e e e B E S T R O L L E R - S K AT I N G ZONI GIRLS 455 N. THIRD ST., #1110 415-857-5283 ZONIGIRLS.COM Strap on vibrant teal and pink quad skates and roll in circles around disco balls at this downtown Phoenix roller rink. Located at the Arizona Center, this women-owned skate shop brings the glam of the vintage skate era to 2025. The company was started by three sisters and centers on the inclusion of people from all backgrounds. Walls are adorned with the funky murals you’d hope for at a roller skating rink, but their event schedule is what really keeps us coming back. Queer skate days, singles nights and pop-in DJs keep the mission alive: to create a fun skating space that makes you feel good in your skin. e e e B E S T C L I M B I N G GY M BOULDERING PROJECT 2626 S. HARDY DRIVE, TEMPE 480-716-9014 BOULDERINGPROJECT.COM The Tempe location of Seattle-based climbing gym Bouldering Project has posi- tioned itself as an approachable space for newcomers while keeping things fresh and challenging for seasoned climbers. Boul- dering Project sets itself apart from other rock-climbing gyms through its color-coded circuit grading system, encouraging climbers to attempt a particular route to master a skill, not simply check a box for a particular pitch rating. This dedication to sport seen throughout the massive gym. Whether you’re there for a yoga or fitness class, weight training or one of the many community events (BP hosts full moon ceremonies, queer climbing nights and more), you’re bound to have a great time. Enjoy coffee at Proyecto, the gym’s indoor coffee pop-up, hang outside on the hammocks on cooler nights or hit the colorful, ever-changing rock walls to hone your skills. e e e B E S T B O DY B U I L D I N G GY M MUSCLETOPIA USA 3302 N. 24TH ST., #101 602-368-6940 MUSCLETOPIAUSA.COM Muscletopia isn’t your average gym — it’s a 6,000-square-foot fortress dedicated to serious transformation. Just north of Sky Harbor, it feels like the closest thing to a mental and physical utopia. It’s packed with rare, pro-grade equipment you won’t find at most gyms in the Valley. This is where people come not just to lift, but to level up. Owner Ivan Almonte, a former pro bodybuilder, has worked with elite athletes, but these days, he’s focused on busy professionals. His tailored approach builds sustainable fitness routines that match real-life demands, whether you’re prepping for competition or simply reclaiming your strength and disci- pline. Yes, the workouts are intense. But what sets Muscletopia apart is the mindset shift. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about unlocking mental clarity, resilience and long- term drive. At Muscletopia, the gains are visible in the mirror, but the real ones happen between the ears. e e e B E S T P O O L H A L L JESTER’S BILLIARDS 1515 N. GILBERT ROAD, GILBERT 480-926-1314 JESTERSBILLIARDS.COM Grab a cue and let us clue you into Jester’s Billiards in Gilbert, because if you’re still playing leagues anywhere else, you’re missing out. The beloved local bar just got a revamp with eye-popping, billiards-themed art throughout the hall, including his-and- her portraits of legendary players marking the bathroom doors. It’s not all about the the pool though; Jester’s has one of the biggest craft beer lists in the East Valley in addition to a full bar with heavy pours from their welcoming bartenders and food that you’ll actually want to savor. Whether you’re here to sink some balls or just sink a few pints, Jester’s has corner-pocketed its place as our go-to spot for a night of billiards. e e e B E S T A R C A D E STARFIGHTERS ARCADE 4840 E. JASMINE ST., MESA 602-513-9532 STARFIGHTERSARCADE.COM Hidden in an industrial park in Mesa, Starfighters Arcade is like a speakeasy for those looking for a curated collection of classic video and pinball games. We’re talking “Space Invaders,” “Defender,” “Galaga” and “Tempest,” to name a few. To add to the vibe, Starfighters is full of cool memorabilia and vintage toys. The best part? It’s a mere $14 for an all-you-can-play buffet of nostalgia — no tokens needed and no rapidly depleting credits on a swipe card. The background music is cool ’80s stuff, and projectors play films such as “Star Wars” and “Back to the Future.” And if you’re really serious about pinball as opposed to “Pac- Man,” they have regular tournaments in which you can win a trophy to show off how well you play the silver ball. e e e B E S T A Q U A R I U M ODYSEA AQUARIUM 9500 E. VIA DE VENTURA, SUITE A-100 480-291-8000 ODYSEAAQUARIUM.COM We turn into a kid again each time we visit OdySea Aquarium. The joy of watching otters play, the awe inspired by the sight of a massive sea turtle, the wonder of darting fish, gliding rays and floating jellyfish — they make us forget the cares of the outside world and focus on the amazing diversity on display. OdySea has plenty to do for ocean-lovers of all ages; there are touch tanks, coloring stations, VR experience, animal encounters with penguins and (for the adults only) a Starbucks that serves alcoholic beverages. If you find the $50 ticket price pinches like a crab, or if you prefer a childfree aquarium experience, you can go after 4:30 p.m. for a reduced ticket price of $35, or attend one of OdySea’s adults-only Fish & Sips evening events for the same price. e e e B E S T Z O O PHOENIX ZOO 455 N. GALVIN PARKWAY 602-286-3800 PHOENIXZOO.ORG Tired of dealing with humans in 2025? Take a load off by visiting the much more civilized creatures at the Phoenix Zoo. There are plenty to encounter — across its 125 acres, the zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals of 400 different species — so you’ll want to make multiple visits. Check out the new Big Cats of Arizona habitat and the pachyderms on one trip, then say hello to the primates, giraffes and tortoises on another. The zoo is centrally located, and parking is free, so come early to avoid the crowds (especially in the summer). Consider a $289 family membership for early access and invites to special events and programs. That’s a big chunk of change, but if you have kids of a certain age, trust us: You’re going to wear that membership card out.
